Shelter spaces available in Fort St. John

The BC government is funding 26 extreme weather shelter spaces at the Salvation Army’s Northern Centre of Hope in Fort St. John this winter, to help people who may be threatened by cold weather.

The spaces are for men, women, and families who need them.

“Our government wants to ensure that people who don’t have any other housing options during the winter months have a safe and secure place to stay,” said Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm.

He said that winter in this region has harsh conditions.

The Northern Centre of Hope – at 9824 99 Ave. – has those spaces available from now until March 31, as the City issues extreme weather alerts.

Weather alerts are issued depending on what each community decides warrants one, and how many spaces to activate on a given night – depending on the capacity of existing shelters and the estimated need.

Close to 1,200 temporary emergency shelter spaces will be available this winter in about 100 communities throughout BC altogether.